Maseko joins FC Copenhagen from Sundowns for reported €800,000 fee

FC Copenhagen have paid about €800,000 (approximately R15 million) to sign South African winger Thapelo Maseko from Mamelodi Sundowns, according to Danish publication Bold.

The 22-year-old was unveiled by the Danish club on Tuesday morning after completing his move to the Danish capital. Bold reported the financial details of the transfer, which takes the South African international to Europe for the next stage of his career.

The publication described the agreement as “a modest transfer fee for the South African, who FCK has had on its radar recently”. The assessment suggests FC Copenhagen believe they have secured a favourable deal for a player who impressed as part of the African champions’ squad.

Maseko has agreed a contract that will keep him at FC Copenhagen until the summer of 2030. The long-term commitment gives the winger the opportunity to establish himself at the club as they prepare to compete in domestic football and European competition.

Reports last week said FC Copenhagen had reached an agreement with Mamelodi Sundowns after Maseko made clear that he wanted to join the Danish side. The move now brings to an end his time with the South African club and gives him the chance to test himself in one of Scandinavia’s most competitive leagues.

FC Copenhagen director of football Kristjaan Speakman is working through the final weeks of the summer transfer window, with Maseko understood to be one of several deals the club expects to complete before the deadline.

For Mamelodi Sundowns, the reported fee represents a relatively modest financial return for a player who was part of the team’s CAF Champions League-winning squad. However, the Brazilians may have been prepared to support the transfer because of the potential benefits of Maseko continuing his development in European football.

Maseko will now need to adapt to the demands and style of Danish football while competing for a regular place in the FC Copenhagen team. His performances will determine how quickly he can establish himself after moving from South Africa to Europe.

The transfer also represents an important opportunity for the winger at international level. Having already represented South Africa, Maseko will hope that regular football in Denmark can help him continue progressing with the national team.

FC Copenhagen’s decision to commit to Maseko until 2030 underlines the club’s long-term view of the player. While the reported fee is relatively low by the standards of the European transfer market, the move gives both clubs a chance to benefit: Sundowns can see one of their players develop overseas, while FC Copenhagen acquire a young South African international with experience of playing for continental champions.